The Merseyside thrower Survives Huge Fright while 'The Royal Bengal' Creates A Landmark for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist narrowly avoided an early exit to advance into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
Bunting, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Turbulent Encounter
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 en route to powering through the first set. Victory seemed assured after landing a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Nevertheless, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting steadied himself in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.
“Competing at Alexandra Palace you experience all the feelings,” Bunting told broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Creates Landmark Win
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who created a landmark by becoming the pioneering Indian at the tournament. He beat Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, suggested this landmark win could have “opened the floodgates to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“I don’t know right now. I’m overwhelmed, I’m thrilled,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years from now if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, you know who started it.”
Further First-Round Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
